'Proximate cause' definitions:

Definition of 'Proximate cause'

From: GCIDE
  • Proximate \Prox"i*mate\, a. [L. proximatus, p. p. of proximare to come near, to approach, fr. proximus the nearest, nest, superl. of propior nearer, and prope, adv., near.] Nearest; next immediately preceding or following. "Proximate ancestors." --J. S. Harford. [1913 Webster]
  • The proximate natural causes of it [the deluge]. --T. Burnet. [1913 Webster]
  • Proximate analysis (Chem.), an analysis which determines the proximate principles of any substance, as contrasted with an ultimate analysis.
  • Proximate cause. (a) A cause which immediately precedes and produces the effect, as distinguished from the remote, mediate, or predisposing cause. --I. Watts. (b) That which in ordinary natural sequence produces a specific result, no independent disturbing agencies intervening.
  • Proximate principle (Physiol. Chem.), one of a class of bodies existing ready formed in animal and vegetable tissues, and separable by chemical analysis, as albumin, sugar, collagen, fat, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Nearest; next; closest; immediate; direct. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Proximate cause'

From: GCIDE
  • Cause \Cause\ (k[add]z), n. [F. cause, fr. L. causa. Cf. Cause, v., Kickshaw.]
  • 1. That which produces or effects a result; that from which anything proceeds, and without which it would not exist. [1913 Webster]
  • Cause is substance exerting its power into act, to make one thing begin to be. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. That which is the occasion of an action or state; ground; reason; motive; as, cause for rejoicing. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Sake; interest; advantage. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • I did it not for his cause. --2 Cor. vii. 12. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Law) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Any subject of discussion or debate; matter; question; affair in general. [1913 Webster]
  • What counsel give you in this weighty cause! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. The side of a question, which is espoused, advocated, and upheld by a person or party; a principle which is advocated; that which a person or party seeks to attain. [1913 Webster]
  • God befriend us, as our cause is just. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • The part they take against me is from zeal to the cause. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
  • Efficient cause, the agent or force that produces a change or result.
  • Final cause, the end, design, or object, for which anything is done.
  • Formal cause, the elements of a conception which make the conception or the thing conceived to be what it is; or the idea viewed as a formative principle and cooperating with the matter.
  • Material cause, that of which anything is made.
  • Proximate cause. See under Proximate.
  • To make common cause with, to join with in purposes and aims. --Macaulay.
  • Syn: Origin; source; mainspring; motive; reason; incitement; inducement; purpose; object; suit; action. [1913 Webster]